Cytotoxicity of substances leached or dissolved from pulp capping materials

Aim To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of substances leached or dissolved from pulp capping materials on human pulp fibroblasts. Methodology The substances were applied to cell cultures in conditioned media. The experimental groups were: GI (control; n = 24) - cultures treated with fresh medium; GII (n = 24) - cultures treated with calcium hydroxide cement; GIII (n = 24) - cultures treated with adhesive resin and GIV (n = 24) - cultures treated with 37% orthophosphoric acid. The media were conditioned by placing the crude materials in contact with fresh culture medium for 1 h. The cytotoxicity analysis was performed using the Trypan blue dye exclusion assay at times of 0, 6, 12 and 24 h for cell viability assay, and at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days for survival assay. Data were treated by ANOVA (P < 0.05) and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results GI and II presented similar cell viability and cell growth. GIII and IV exhibited statistically significant lower percentages of cell viability: GIV only at the 0 h experimental time, whereas in GIII this viability markedly diminished reaching values of 10% by 12 h. Cell growth was impaired only in cultures of GIII. Conclusions Substances dissolved from the adhesive system tested were cytotoxic for human dental pulp fibroblasts in culture, whilst substances leached from calcium hydroxide were biocompatible.